Dubai:The FIBA 3x3 World Tour is set to make its debut in Dubai, marking the beginning of a landmark strategic partnership that will run through 2028. The event, which starts tomorrow at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City, is organized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and in collaboration with the UAE Basketball Association. This two-day spectacle will showcase top streetball talent and culminate in a grand finale on Saturday night.
According to Wam, the tournament's details were announced at an official press conference, featuring key figures such as Eisa Sharif Al Marzouqi, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council, and Salem Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the UAE Basketball Association. Ignacio Soriano, Head of Events and Partnerships at FIBA 3x3, and Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist Worthy de Jong of Team Amsterdam Rabobank also addressed the media.
The tournament marks the start of a three-year strategic partnership between the Dubai Sports Council and FIBA, aiming to establish a sustainable platform for international 3x3 competitions in Dubai. This partnership is expected to enhance Dubai's reputation as a global hub for major international sporting events. Eisa Sharif Al Marzouqi highlighted that the agreement aligns with the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, which prioritizes basketball among 17 sports of global significance.
Al Marzouqi emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting community legacy, which includes engagement with students and grassroots programs. The event aims to cultivate a robust talent pool in 3x3 basketball and promote community participation, with initiatives like the Dubai Open Basketball Academies Tournament and the Dubai Schools Games.
Ignacio Soriano expressed confidence in Dubai's capabilities to host the event, noting the emirate's facilities, fanbase, and ambition. The presence of 14 international teams and top athletes promises an exciting blend of sport, entertainment, and festival culture.
Salem Al Mutawa described the event as a significant milestone for basketball in the UAE, offering local players and coaches a chance to interact with world-class talent and fostering national growth in the sport. The partnership with FIBA and the Dubai Sports Council is expected to advance the sport's development across the region until 2028.